This week, Policy and Research Manager Gillian Kennedy is joined by Dr. Lucy Michael, a sociologist and expert in human rights, and Dr. Shadi Karazi, a researcher focused on refugee integration, for a deep dive into Ireland’s international protection system and the lived realities of Syrian refugees.

From the legal obligations under EU and international law, to the evolving challenges in Ireland’s asylum process, they explore slow bureaucracies, social integration, and the Syrian diaspora’s role in recovery and return. With insights on employment, government messaging, and future prospects post-Assad, this episode offers a timely and critical reflection on Ireland’s approach to protection and resettlement.

Music credit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ailbhe Crowley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Champion by Telecasted. YouTube Audio Library.

Papov by Yung Logos. YouTube Audio Library.

Recorded: 20/06/2025

[DISCLAIMER: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland). The views, information or opinions expressed during the Just the Chats podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of EM Ireland. EM Ireland is not responsible and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information provided by speakers on the podcast series. The purpose of the podcast is to share opinions and inform. The podcast series is available for private and non-commercial use only. No one other than EM Ireland staff is permitted to edit or modify this podcast. EM Ireland assumes no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast series or for use of same in connection with any other website or organisation.]

This week, Head of Communications Aisling Brady is joined by Dr. Alessandra Sala, a global leader in Artificial Intelligence and President of Women in AI, for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of AI in Europe.

From the ethical frontiers of AI regulation and the role of multilateralism, to the challenges facing women and minorities in STEM, Dr. Sala brings a sharp, science-based perspective to one of the most transformative issues of our time. With over 18 years' experience in AI research and innovation, she shares practical insights on how Europe can lead in ethical AI development while navigating pressures from global tech giants and regulatory skepticism.

Music credit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ailbhe Crowley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Champion by Telecasted. YouTube Audio Library.

Recorded: 16/05/2025

[DISCLAIMER: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland). The views, information or opinions expressed during the Just the Chats podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of EM Ireland. EM Ireland is not responsible and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information provided by speakers on the podcast series. The purpose of the podcast is to share opinions and inform. The podcast series is available for private and non-commercial use only. No one other than EM Ireland staff is permitted to edit or modify this podcast. EM Ireland assumes no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast series or for use of same in connection with any other website or organisation.] 

This week, CEO Noelle O Connell is joined by the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, Michael O' Flaherty, the first Irish person to hold this vital role. 

From defending civic space and media freedom to addressing racism, AI, and migration policy, Michael O’Flaherty brings urgent insight into the challenges and hope for the human rights landscape in Europe today. 

Music credit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ailbhe Crowley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Recorded: 30/04/2025

[DISCLAIMER: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland). The views,information or opinions expressed during the Just the Chats podcast series aresolely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent thoseof EM Ireland. EM Ireland is not responsible and does not verify the accuracyof any of the information provided by speakers on the podcast series. The purposeof the podcast is to share opinions and inform. The podcast series is availablefor private and non-commercial use only. No one other than EM Ireland staff ispermitted to edit or modify this podcast. EM Ireland assumes no liability forany activities in connection with this podcast series or for use of same inconnection with any other website or organisation.]

This week sadly marked the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, European Movement Ireland's Just the Chats podcast spoke to Professor Donnacha Ó Beacháin, School of Law and Government, DCU and Diana Ishchenko, Creative Director, Internews Ukraine a pro-EU NGO based in Kyiv.

Hosted by CEO Noelle O Connell, they discussed the devastating war, the reality of life in Ukraine today, the ongoing negotiations with the US and assessed the EU's response to date. This comes after the call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, that sent shockwaves across the West, marking a consequential change in US alliances. 

Music credit: Ailbhe Crowley

Recorded: 28/02/2025

[DISCLAIMER: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland). The views, information or opinions expressed during the Just the Chats podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of EM Ireland. EM Ireland is not responsible and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information provided by speakers on the podcast series. The purpose of the podcast is to share opinions and inform. The podcast series is available for private and non-commercial use only. No one other than EM Ireland staff is permitted to edit or modify this podcast. EM Ireland assumes no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast series or for use of same in connection with any other website or organisation.]

Listen back to European Movement Ireland's webinar exploring the Disinformation Frontline. 

As part of our wider disinformation programme, this discussion shares best practices on responding to mis/disinformation online and how local communities respond to disinformation in offline spaces.

The discussion was moderated by Dr. Gillian Kennedy,  Policy and Research Manager, European Movement Ireland, and featured:

The webinar was recorded live on Tuesday 3 December 2024.

Music credit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ailbhe Crowley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Recorded: 13 November 2024

In this episode, we were joined by former Tánaiste and EU

We discussed the EU's role in international human rights, his role as the EU Special Envoy for the Peace Process in Colombia, and rule of law in the EU, US and globally.

Music credit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ailbhe Crowley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Recorded: 13 November 2024

This episode of Just the Chats is a recording of an in-person event held by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung UK & Ireland and European Movement Ireland on the theme of ‘Policy Priorities for Ireland and Germany for the New EU Mandate’.

Welcome Address: Dr. Canan Atilgan, Director Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, UK & Ireland

Panel Speakers:

Moderator: Noelle O Connell, CEO, European Movement Ireland

Music credit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ailbhe Crowley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Recorded: 21 October 2024

In this episode of Just the Chats, we were joined by President Herman Van Rompuy; current President of the Administrative Council of the College of Europe, Honorary President of the European Policy Centre, former Prime Minister of Belgium, and the first ever President of the European Council.

President Van Rompuy joined us to discuss his career, his experience at the Council during the eurozone crisis, and his thoughts on the future of Europe.

Music credit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ailbhe Crowley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Recorded: 31 May 2024

In this episode of Just the Chats, we were joined by Art O’Leary, Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission.

Art joined us to chat about the role of the Commission, the upcoming European Elections and future plans to make voting in Ireland more accessible.

Music credit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ailbhe Crowley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Recorded: 9 May 2024

In this episode of Just the Chats, we are joined by Federica Mogherini who is the Rector of the College of Europe, as well as the Former High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs & Security Policy and Former Vice President of the European Commission.

Federica joined us to chat about the College of Europe’s new campus in Albania, EU diplomacy in the current geopolitical climate, and how we should communicate with European citizens about migration.

Music credit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ailbhe Crowley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Recorded: 24 January 2023

[DISCLAIMER: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland). The views, information or opinions expressed during the Just the Chats podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of EM Ireland. EM Ireland is not responsible, and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information provided by speakers on the podcast series. The purpose of the podcast is to share opinions and inform. The podcast series is available for private and non-commercial use only. No one other than EM Ireland staff is permitted to edit or modify this podcast. EM Ireland assumes no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast series or for use of same in connection with any other website or organisation.]